Participants get their groove on to collect money for local organization that helps single mothers

Most of us have heard of collecting money, donating items or walking or running for a good cause. But what about jiggling, shaking, stomping, clapping and hooting and hollering?

The Single Mothers United in Rewarding Fellowship on Sunday conducted its second annual Zumbathon to raise money for programs that help local single mothers and their children.

“We realize that Zumba is a uniting force between women and we can’t think of a better cause than this organization that has done so much for local families,” said Cindy Telesio, a board member for the local organization known as SMURF.

At Odyssey Arts & Entertainment performing arts practice venue in Temecula, more than 200 women and a few men paid $10 each to participate in the two-hour-plus, high-energy exercise class that combines Latin dance and aerobics.

Under dim lights and loud music that was more nightclub than Richard Simmons, participants sported trendy tank tops, yoga pants, bright-colored tennis shoes and “hip scarfs” adorned with jingling coins.

Running in to join the party was Menifee resident Chary Knudson, who said the demanding form of aerobics has not only helped her lose weight but helped her give back to the community.

“Last month I participated in a Zumba fundraiser for autism, and today we are helping others” she said. “It makes me feel good to know we are helping.”

The event raised $3,000 last year. This year, SMURF founder and Director Paul Kauffman said he hopes to raise $4,000. Local vendors donated raffle items, and more than a dozen Zumba instructors donated their time.

San Diego instructor Alessandra Eck said she knows the needs of single mothers.

“I see a lot of them in my classes every week,” she said. “They come to class and they forget about their worries. It’s because of them that I am here today. I am a mother, too.”

Telesio said the Zumbathon, which she hopes will continue to grow in popularity, also helps women find out about the organization.

“This is not only to raise money but to raise awareness,” she said. “People still don’t realize what we do.”

Founded more than a decade ago, SMURF offers fellowship opportunities and resources for single mothers and their children. The nonprofit group’s most notable service is its Sunday night dinner and inspirational program that takes place at 5 p.m. at the Murrieta Church of Christ, 24750 Lincoln Ave.

The program’s goal is to empower single mothers, said Helen Medina, a single mother of two who serves on the group’s advisory committee.

“Events like this help make a difference in the lives of women and their children,” she said. “I have nothing but gratitude for what I see today.”

This month, SMURF is sponsoring a comedy night fundraiser, which will include entertainment, an auction and dessert. A silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. April 20, and the comedy starts at 7 p.m. at Rancho Community Church, 31300 Rancho Community Way in Temecula. Child care is available for children 10 and younger.

The cost is $10 per person. The show will include Kauffman reprising Johnny Carson’s role as Carnac the Magnificent and an appearance by Pastor Scott Treadway as Ed McMahon.